Bachelor Programme Structure

All BA studies at DAE last for four years and follow a core structure with three main programmes: Fundamentals, Studios and Reflections, as well as an internship period, a Focus period and the build-up to Graduation and the Final Exam.

Fundamentals focuses on developing skills that are key within contemporary design practice, is weighted more heavily towards the beginning of the student's studies, forming half of the first year, a third of the second year, and phasing out entirely in year four.

Studios offers students the opportunity to choose between a variety of Studios, each led by a practicing designer and offering a different view of design. This replaces the former departmental structure, with a model more in line with contemporary design practice. The Studio programme starts in the second half of the first year, forms the bulk of the second year, and concludes in the first half of the third year. During this period, students can switch between the different studios, which are constantly evolving to reflect the changing needs and interests of the DAE community and the world beyond the walls of the Academy.

Reflections runs throughout all four years and brings students from different studios and years together in groups, with a fixed coach, to reflect on their studies, the practice of design, the design world and the role of design within society. Students also work on their personal study plans in these sessions and share experiences and ideas. This programme is free of formal assessments, creating more space for reflection and creative and critical exploration.

The internship takes place in the second half of the third year, when students complete placements within a professional environment and gain practical experience in different types of practice.

The fourth year is divided into a Focus period and the Graduation period. Focus broadens the individual student's knowledge of matter, materials, techniques and production. Each student can choose from five modules.

The Graduation period is dedicated to developing projects for assessment in the Final Exam, followed by the Graduation itself. After this, graduates can show their work in public at the annual DAE Graduation Show, which takes place in October each year.

Part of

“Before we can solve anything, we first need to find the right questions”

An interview with Raf De Keninck, Education Director at DAE, explaining the thinking behind the new structure of the BA programme, how it reflects wider shifts in society and why the 21st century is “the century of the designer”.